UNIFORM WEAR FOR DUMMIES
COMPILED, ABRIDGED, AND EDITED BY CADET ANDREW VILLAGRAN
SERVICE UNIFORM INSTRUCTIONS
4.1. Service Uniform. The phrase “service uniform” refers to all combinations of the service
dress coat, the lightweight blue jacket, the long and short-sleeved shirt/blouse, the blue
trousers/skirt, the blue herringbone tie/tie tab, and their required accoutrements (nametag,
soft/hard rank insignia, ribbons, badges, etc.). This uniform is also known as “blues.” The
service uniform is the official uniform for AFROTC training. It is issued to all cadets upon entry
into the AFROTC program. The following are the only approved combinations of the service
uniform:
4.1.1. Short-sleeved Shirt/Blouse Combination. During warmer months, cadets will
wear this combination. This uniform consists of the short-sleeved blue shirt/blouse and
the blue trousers/skirt. The blue herringbone tie/tie tab is optional. Soft rank insignia is
worn on the epaulets and the blue plastic nametag is worn. Ribbons, badges, and
shoulder cords are optional, with the exception of cadet aeronautical badges, which are
mandatory.
4.1.2. Long-sleeved Shirt/Blouse Combination. During colder months, cadets will wear
this combination. This uniform consists of the long-sleeved shirt/blouse and the blue
trousers/skirt. The blue herringbone tie/tie tab is mandatory. Soft rank insignia is worn
on the epaulets and the blue plastic nametag is worn. Ribbons, badges, and shoulder
cords are optional, with the exception of cadet aeronautical badges, which are
mandatory.
4.1.3. Service Dress Uniform. This uniform combination is also worn during colder
months or at semi-formal to formal events. This uniform consists of the service dress
coat, the short/long-sleeved blue shirt/blouse, and the blue trousers/skirt. The blue
herringbone tie/tie tab is mandatory. Ribbons and badges earned must be worn on the
service dress coat. Soft rank insignia is worn on the epaulets of both the service dress
coat and the shirt/blouse. The blue plastic nametag is worn on the shirt/blouse. Cadet
officers wear the silver service dress nametag on the service dress coat in addition to the
blue plastic nametag on their shirt/blouse underneath. Cadet airmen wear no service dress
nametag. Shoulder cords will be worn if authorized. The US lapel insignia must be worn,
and is placed halfway up the seam of the service dress coat, resting on but not over it.
Bottom of insignia is horizontal with the ground (see figure below).
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4.1.4. Short/Long-sleeved Shirt/Blouse with Lightweight Blue Jacket Combination.
This uniform consists of the lightweight blue jacket with either the short or long-sleeved
shirt/blouse combinations.
4.1.4.1. When worn, lightweight blue jacket must be zipped up at least halfway.
4.1.4.2. It may be worn with civilian clothes when hard rank insignia is removed.
4.1.4.3. The AF Symbol is optional. It may be embroidered on the left side at
members cost, but if it is, it is not authorized to be worn with civilian clothes.
4.1.4.4. Women may wear the male version of the lightweight blue jacket.
4.1.4.5. Cadets may wear the lightweight blue jacket over the pullover sweater,
however, the pullover sweater must not be exposed.
4.1.4.6. Jackets may be worn with or without the insulated liner.
4.1.4.7. Jackets are authorized to be worn indoors.
4.1.4.8. Wear hard rank insignia centered on both epaulets 5/8ths-inch from the
shoulder seam. Cadet officers will wear the metallic black and silver cadet officer
rank insignia with the silver stripes parallel to the shoulder seam (see figure
below). Cadet airmen will wear the metallic blue and silver rank insignia with the
point toward the neck.
4.1.4. Semi-Formal Dress Uniform (Modified Mess Dress Uniform). This combination
is worn in lieu of a mess dress at formal events. This uniform consists of the service dress
uniform (as prescribed above) with a long-sleeved white oxford shirt/blouse (no buttondown collar) in place of the light blue shirt/blouse. Male cadets will wear the blue
herringbone tie and females will wear the blue herringbone tie tab that they would wear
with their service dress uniform. No headgear will be worn with this uniform
combination. White shirts/blouses will be purchased at the expense of the cadet.
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4.2. Service Uniform Headgear. When outdoors, cadets will wear the flight cap with diamond
braid with all combinations of the service uniform, except when wearing the semi-formal dress
uniform or during certain activities listed in the “Color Guard, Honor Guard, and Drill Team
Instructions” portion of this manual.
4.2.1 Cadet officers will be issued a “Prop & Wings” flight cap insignia upon
satisfactory completion of Field Training (FT) and entrance into the Professional Officer
Course (POC). They will wear the insignia on the left side of the flight cap, vertically
centered, with the front edge of the wings 1-1/2 inches from the front of the flight cap. See
figure below. Cadet officers are only authorized to wear the gold/silver combination “Prop &
Wings” (gold wings and silver propeller) if a relative was a member of the Army Air Corps,
if a parent has at least 20 years of military service, if a parent died in the line of duty, or if a
parent participated in active combat as a member of any U.S. military service.
4.2.2. When not wearing the flight cap, it should be tucked under the belt on the left side
between the first and second belt loop with the front edge of the flight cap hanging down
and insignia (if applicable) visible. The opening of the flight cap should be toward the
outside. The flight cap should not be seen above the belt. (See figures below)
Cadet Airmen
Cadet Officer
4.3. Additional Instructions.
4.3.1 While males only have one version each of the long and short-sleeved shirts,
females have both a “tuck-in” version and an “over-blouse” version. Only female cadet
officers may wear the “over-blouse” version. However, only the “tuck-in” style shirt will
be issued to female cadets at government expense. Therefore, if female cadet officers
wish to wear the “over-blouse” version they must purchase it at their own expense. Note:
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Female cadets may be required to tuck in over-blouses in formation or during inspections
as the detachment commander directs.
4.3.2 Soft rank insignia will be used on the epaulets of the service dress coat, long- and
short-sleeved shirts/blouses, and the pullover or cardigan sweater. The epaulets are
inserted into the soft rank insignia and buttoned. The bottom edge of the soft rank
insignia must be as close as possible to the upper seam of the sleeve. The different soft
rank insignias are below:
4.3.3 Blue Plastic Nametag. The blue plastic nametag is worn on the long- or shortsleeved shirt/blouse on the wearer’s right. Males wear centered above and resting on the
right breast pocket. Females wear centered on right side even with or up to 1½ inches
higher or lower than the first exposed button.
4.3.4 Silver Service Dress Nametag. One silver service dress nametag will be issued to
each cadet officer in conjunction with the “Prop & Wings” flight cap insignia issue upon
satisfactory completion of FT and entrance into the POC. The nametag is worn centered
on the wearer's right side of the service dress coat with the bottom of the nametag level
with the bottom of the ribbons. Cadet officers also wear the silver nametag on the
pullover sweater centered on the wearer’s right. Cadet airmen will not wear the silver
nametag on either the service dress or the pullover sweater.
4.3.5 Shoulder Cords. Wear shoulder cords on the left shoulder of the service uniform.
Only one shoulder cord may be worn at a time. Shoulder cords should be worn grounded
to the upper seam of the sleeve. When this is not practical, they may be worn attached to
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the button of the epaulet. Shoulder cords authorized for wear are Arnold Air Society
(AAS) or Silver Wings (SW), Color/Honor Guard and Drill Team, Scabbard and Blade,
and Pershing Rifles (may only be worn while participating in Pershing Rifles activities).
No other shoulder cords are authorized for wear.
4.3.6. Wear of Awards and Decorations.
4.3.6.1. Shirts/Blouses. Unless otherwise directed by the detachment commander,
ribbons are optional on shirts/blouses. For male shirts, ribbons will be centered on
and flush on the top edge of the left breast pocket. For female blouses, ribbons
will be centered on the left side of the blouse, parallel to the ground. Align the
bottom the ribbons with the bottom of the nametag.
4.3.6.2. Male and Female Service Dress Jackets. Ribbons and badges are
mandatory for wear on the service dress jacket. Ribbons will be worn centered on
and flush with the top edge of the welt pocket.
4.3.6.3. If ribbons are worn, whether on the service dress jacket or shirt/blouse,
cadets must wear all of the ribbons they have earned.
4.3.6.4. Staggering of ribbons with 3 or 4 to a row is authorized when necessary
to avoid unprofessional appearance. Refer to AFI 36-2903, Figure 4.3. and Table
4.2. for further guidance.
4.3.6.5. Refer to AFROTCI 36-2020 for ribbon award criteria. See AFROTCVA
36-3 for precedence.
4.3.6.6. See AFROTCI 36-2020, Attachment 5 for instruction on the use of ribbon
devices.
4.3.6.7. See AFROTCI 36-2020 for wear authorization for specific active duty
awards and awards from other organizations.
BATTLE DRESS UNIFORM (BDU) INSTRUCTIONS
5.2 Battle Dress Uniform. The battle dress uniform consists of a brown undershirt, a camouflage
blouse, a pair of camouflage trousers, and their required accoutrements (sew-on nametag, sew-on
U.S. Air Force tape, metallic rank insignia, etc.). While there are currently no printed regulations
for the Airman’s Battle Uniform (ABU), we will assume that they are the same as the BDU.
Therefore, for each reference to BDUs, apply the same rules for the ABU.
5.2.1. BDUs will be configured with sewn-on name and U.S. Air Force tapes. These cloth
tapes specify our service, “U.S. Air Force,” and the military member’s surname. Tape is
approximately 6 1/4 inches long and 1 inch wide with 3/4-inch lettering. The “U.S. Air
Force” tape is placed over the left pocket, while the name tape is placed over the right
pocket. Make no deviations to the USAF/Name tapes. EXCEPTION: Use smaller letters
to fit name within standard tape length. The tape color will correspond to the particular
utility uniform.
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5.2.2. Cadet officers will wear metallic black and silver officer rank insignia centered on the
left and right collar, one inch from the front of the collar, with the silver stripe(s)
perpendicular to the front of the collar. (See figure below).
5.2.3. Cadet airmen will wear metallic blue and silver Cadet Fourth Class (C/4C) or Cadet
Third Class (C/3C) insignia centered on the left and right collar so that the long edge of the
insignia is parallel to and one inch from the front edge of the collar. (See figure below).
5.3. BDU Headgear.
5.3.1. Cadets will wear the BDU cap with the BDUs. No insignia will be worn on the BDU
cap.
5.3.2. Detachments may design a detachment ball cap for wear with the BDUs. Ball caps
must be in compliance with Air Force policy, and must be approved by the detachment and
region commander. If approved for wear, it may only be worn locally at the detachment. The
detachment ball cap may not be worn with the PTU. No commutation or issue in kind funds
may be expended for purchase of detachment ball caps. No insignia will be worn on the ball
cap.
5.4. BDU Field Jacket. When weather warrants it, cadets are authorized to purchase and wear BDU
Field Jackets either on top of or in place of their BDU blouses.
5.4.1. Wear metallic rank insignia on the BDU Field Jacket in accordance with (IAW)
paragraphs 5.2.2 and 5.2.3 above.
5.4.2. BDU nametape and U.S. Air Force tapes will not be worn on the field jacket.
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5.5. Additional Instructions.
5.5.1. With detachment commander approval and if purchased by the cadet, black turtlenecks
are authorized to be worn in place of T-shirt during periods of inclement weather.
5.5.2. No other patches, badges, or accoutrements will be worn on the BDUs.
5.5.3. Socks worn with BDUs must be black. White socks are not authorized. (For ABUs, we
assume that socks must be dark green).
PHYSICAL TRAINING UNIFORM (PTU) INSTRUCTIONS
7.1. Physical Training Uniform. Two versions of the PTU presently exist. The first is the old
style gray t-shirt and gray shorts, and the second is the new style gray t-shirt and blue shorts.
Likewise, there is the old style gray sweatshirt and gray sweat pants, and the new style blue
warm-up jacket and blue warm-up pants.
7.1.1. Cadets may choose to wear either the old style PTU combination or the new style
PTU combination. However, when wearing either combination, cadets must not mix
elements of clothing from one combination with elements of clothing from the other
combination. For example, cadets can’t wear the new style PTU shorts with the old style
gray sweatshirt, and cadets can’t wear the old style gray sweat pants with the new style
gray t-shirt.
7.1.2. In addition to the t-shirt and shorts, cadets must wear athletic shoes, white socks,
and appropriate undergarments. Cadets may wear any type of athletic shoe with all PTU
combinations. Socks may be of any length and may contain small, conservative trademark
logos.
7.1.3. The sweat shirt/warm-up jacket and the sweat pants/warm-up pants may be worn
together or separately with the t-shirt and shorts. However, the sweat shirt/warm-up
jacket will not be worn without the t-shirt underneath, the sweat pants/warm-up pants
will not be worn without the shorts underneath, and the shorts will not be worn without
appropriate undergarments.
7.1.4. When worn, the new style blue warm-up jacket must be zipped up at least half way,
and the new-style blue warm-up pants must be zipped at legs. The hood of the new style
blue warm-up jacket must be stored and zipped when not worn.
7.1.5. Cadets may not alter the PTU in any way.
7.1.6. Cadets must tuck t-shirts into shorts.
7.1.7. Cadets may wear navy blue or black Spandex shorts and leggings under shorts.
Full-length leggings may be worn in cold weather periods.
7.1.8. Detachment commanders may establish local policy on the wear of reflective wrist,
arm or waist bands with the PTU. Use Operational Risk Management (ORM)
considerations.
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7.1.9. Detachment commanders may, during cold or inclement weather, approve local
wear of black “watch” caps with the PTU if purchased by the cadet. Detachment ball
caps designed IAW paragraph 5.3.2. above will not be worn with the PTU. Also, the
BDU cap will not be worn with the PTU.
7.1.10. Detachment commanders may, in exceptionally cold or inclement weather,
authorize wear of the BDU field jacket and other cold weather items, such as gloves or
scarves, with the PTU.
7.1.11. No PTU item, except the new style blue warm-up jacket, may be worn with
civilian clothes. And even then, the jacket may be worn with civilian clothes only during
AFROTC-sponsored activities as defined in AFROTCI 36-2017, paragraph 3.1.2.
7.1.12. Female cadets exercising in the PTU may wear their hair free of pins or other
accessories normally required to meet uniform standards.
7.1.13. The detachment commander will use ORM considerations when deciding whether
or not to allow cadets to wear jewelry with PTUs during PT sessions. If worn, jewelry
will follow normal uniform rules.
7.1.14. Cadets are not required to render salutes while in PTUs.
7.2. Events Authorized for Wear of PTUs.
7.2.1 PTUs may only be worn during LLAB activities, physical training (PT), or other
physical activities specifically designated by the detachment commander, to include
individual PT.
7.2.2 Detachment commanders will not permit cadets to wear any PTU combination to
detachment events (LLAB, etc) where the rest of the cadet corps is wearing either blues
or BDUs. In this case, when a cadet has not yet been issued blues or BDUs, he/she will
wear appropriate civilian attire.
7.2.3 If cadets wear the PTU during individual PT sessions, they must wear the uniform
in accordance with prescribed directives to ensure they do not bring discredit to the
AFROTC program or the US Air Force.
FLIGHT DRESS UNIFORM (FDU AKA FLIGHT SUIT) INSTRUCTIONS
6.1. Cadets Authorized Wear of FDUs.
6.1.1. Only cadets categorized as pilots, navigators, or Air Battle Managers may be issued
FDUs for regular wear.
6.1.2. Cadets designated as Space and Missile candidates are not authorized wear of FDUs.
6.2. Events Authorized for Wear of FDUs.
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6.2.1. AFROTC Flight Orientation Program (FOP). If available in the inventory, FDUs
may be worn by cadets participating in the AFROTC FOP during the duration of their flight
only. FDUs must be issued immediately before and returned immediately after the training.
Wear of the Aircrew Style Name Patch (ASNP) is not required for wear by cadets
participating in AFROTC FOP when worn for single flights and returned to inventory. If
FDUs are not available in the inventory, cadets will wear BDUs for AFROTC FOP
participation. If cadets have not been issued BDUs and combat boots, the service uniform
will be worn. Early issue of BDUs and combat boots is not authorized for AFROTC FOP
participation.
6.2.2. Recruiting. If authorized by the detachment commander, cadets authorized wear of
FDU in paragraph 6.1.1. above are authorized to wear FDUs for recruiting events.
Membership on a “Recruiting Team” does not automatically authorize a cadet on-going wear
of FDUs.
6.2.3. Professional Development Training (PDT). If available in the inventory, cadets may
be issued FDUs for participation in Flight Awareness Summer Training (FAST), USAFA
FreeFall, USAFA Soaring, and Operation Air Force selections to bases with fighter aircraft.
FDUs must be returned immediately upon completion of training.
6.2.4. FDUs may not be worn for any other purpose unless approved by AFROTC/DO.
6.3. Configuration. The following instructions apply to wear of the FDU by AFROTC cadets:
6.3.1. FDUs will be configured with the ASNP. The ASNP will be configured as follows
(text lines justified to the left and right):
Cadet Aeronautical Badge centered above name line
First line: “FIRST NAME MI LAST NAME” (No nicknames allowed)
Second line: “CADET AFROTC” (Justify CADET to the left and AFROTC to the
right).
6.3.1.1. Cadets categorized as ABM will not wear an aeronautical badge. First and
Second Lines will be centered on the patch.
6.3.1.2. Cadets authorized wear of the FDU and who have earned the Parachutist
Badge (whether through the USAFA Freefall program, Army Airborne Training, or
other prior service qualifications) may have them placed on their ASNP, centered
between the Cadet Aeronautical Badge (if applicable) and above the name line.
Cadets who wish to have this added to an existing patch must do so at their own
expense.
6.3.1.3. Cloth, colored ASNPs may be worn if approved by the detachment
commander and purchased by the cadet. Cloth ASNPs will be configured exactly like
leather ASNPs. No distinctive school markings are authorized. Cloth ASNPs will
have two contrasting colors: one color for the background, and a contrasting color for
the rim and embroidery. Colors used will be determined by the detachment
commander and be consistent throughout the detachment for cadets wearing cloth
ASNPs. Detachment commanders may not mandate that cloth ASNPs be worn, since
the cloth ASNP is purchased at the cadet’s expense.
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NOTE: Do not replace the ASNP solely because it does not meet the provisions of
this paragraph, but ensure any new ASNP meet these requirements.
6.3.2. The AFROTC patch (cadet version with light blue background) will be worn on the
right breast pocket of the FDU between the diagonal pocket zipper and the main zipper. The
U.S. Flag patch will be worn on the left shoulder. A detachment patch, if available, may be
worn on the right shoulder. Cadets will not wear the Air Education and Training Command
(AETC) patch.
6.3.2.1. All patches must be attached to the flight suit by the use of velcro. Do not
sew any patches on the flight suit.
6.3.2.2. No other patches, badges, or accoutrements will be worn on the FDU.
6.3.3. FDUs must be worn with authorized black combat boots.
6.3.4. Cadet rank insignia will not be worn on the FDU.
6.3.5. FDUs will not be worn unless all required patches and insignia are available. This
includes the AFROTC patch, the U.S. Flag Patch, and the ASNP. Exception: Per paragraph
6.2.1., the ASNP is not required for wear by cadets participating in AFROTC FOP when
worn for single flights and returned to inventory.
6.4. Headgear.
6.4.1. Cadets will wear the diamond braided flight cap with appropriate insignia with the
FDU. Flight cap will be stored in the lower cargo pocket on the left leg when not worn.
6.4.2. Detachment commanders may approve wear of the black “watch” cap with the FDU
only while operating on a flight line during extremely cold or inclement weather if purchased
by the cadet.
6.5. Additional Instructions.
6.5.1. Issue FDUs to authorized cadets (see paragraph 6.1.) at the beginning of the AS 400
year, or immediately upon notification of categorization selection if currently enrolled in AS
400 or later.
6.5.2. Authorized cadets may wear FDUs in lieu of BDUs unless training requirements or the
detachment commander dictate otherwise. Cadets will wear BDUs if FDUs are unavailable.
6.5.3. Requests for FDUs for authorized cadets must be made through the region to
AFROTC/DOSL. Regions will attempt to meet FDU requirements from within the region
whenever possible. Requests for new FDUs will be based only upon those authorized in
paragraph 6.1.
6.5.4. Non-AFROTC Provided FDUs. FDUs obtained from sources other than HQ
AFROTC may only be worn if deemed in serviceable condition and of the appropriate style
by the detachment commander. Once identified as such, FDUs will be counted in the
inventory of detachment FDUs. Wear policy is the same as listed in paragraphs 6.1. and 6.2.
above.
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6.5.5. Scarves. Detachment scarves are authorized. Color of scarves will be determined by
the detachment commander and consistent with university colors.
6.5.6. When wearing FDUs, sleeves will be worn at full length (not pushed up). The FDU
front zipper will be closed within approximately 3 inches of the neckline. All pockets will be
zipped and all pocket items will remain concealed.
6.5.7. T-shirts worn will be IAW paragraphs 3.3.1.4 and 3.3.8.
6.7.8. AFROTC does not provide flight jackets for wear, therefore, there is no authorized
jacket to be worn with the FDU. If weather is such that wear of the FDU without a jacket is
not practicable, cadets should wear BDUs. EXCEPTION: If serviceable Air Force
authorized nomex flight jackets are available in the detachment inventory from nonAFROTC sources, they may be issued to cadets for wear. Flight jackets will not be worn
unless all required patches and insignia are available. This includes the AFROTC patch, the
U.S. Flag Patch, and the ASNP (additional ASNPs must be purchased at the expense of the
cadet).
COLOR GUARD, HONOR GUARD, AND DRILL TEAM WEAR
INSTRUCTIONS
8.1. Definitions. In order to ensure all detachments have the same understanding of what
constitutes these organizations, the following definitions are provided.
8.1.1. Color Guard. Color Guards are small (typically 3-8 person) teams that form to
carry the flags/colors and present them at such activities as sporting events, parades, and
other formal ceremonies, such as military balls. These teams may also participate in
Color Guard competitions at drill meets.
8.1.2. Honor Guard. Honor Guards are small (typically 3-8 person) teams that are very
similar to Color Guards, except they may or may not carry flags. They are formed to
honor something or someone, such as at funerals, veterans’ ceremonies, etc. This may
include flag raising/lowering details.
8.1.3. Drill Team. Drill Teams are normally larger teams (though sometimes as small as
a color/honor guard) that do not carry flags, except possibly a flight guidon. They may
drill with or without weapons. They are formed to perform for events such as parades or
exhibitions, or to compete in Drill Team competitions at drill meets.
8.2. Cadets and Events Authorized for Uniform Wear. Cadets participating in detachment
sanctioned Color Guards, Honor Guards, and Drill Teams may wear their uniforms while
preparing for, performing, or coming from performing Color/Honor Guard or Drill Team duties.
8.3. Additional Instructions.
8.3.1. Color/Honor Guard members and Drill Team members will wear the following
items as part of the Color/Honor Guard and Drill Team uniform. If funding is available,
purchase the following special items using commutation funds (see AFOATSI 65-102) or
IIK funds. Detachments are not specifically funded for Color/Honor Guards or Drill
Teams, therefore, funding must come from available commutation or IIK funds, personal
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expense, or other legal sources of funding. See AFOATSI 65-102 for guidance on
commutation funds. IIK units must request approval from AFROTC/DOS prior to
purchasing new uniform items under this paragraph. Variations to this uniform are not
authorized unless approved by AFROTC/DOS. Color/Honor Guard and Drill Team
uniforms will consist of the following:
8.3.1.1. The service dress uniform is worn by all members of the Color/Honor
Guard or Drill Team.
8.3.1.2. USAF ceremonial service (wheel) cap with silver rimmed visor, silver
front chin strap, and black rear chin strap. Wear the USAF Honor Guard “Wing
and Star” service cap insignia.
8.3.1.3. Single strand white shoulder cord.
8.3.1.4. USAF ceremonial web belt (blue with silver trim) with chrome buckle
emblazoned with “Wing and Star” insignia.
8.3.1.5. White gloves. (Detachments may purchase white gloves with grip face for
better hold of weapons and flags.)
8.3.1.6. Purchase white flag holders as needed.
8.3.1.7. No ascots, berets, or any other item not specified in this paragraph will be
worn.
8.3.1.8. Female cadets participating in Color/Honor Guards or Drill Teams will
wear the male service cap.
8.3.1.9. If desired, Drill Teams may alter the service dress uniform to remove
ribbons and badges to present a standardized appearance by all drill team
members during competition. All other insignia must be worn. Color/Honor
Guards will not alter the uniform in this manner.
8.3.2. Color/Honor Guard uniform items will be issued out on AF Form 538, Personal
Clothing and Equipment Record, to the individual cadet and should be turned in when
the cadet no longer participates as an active member of the Color/Honor Guard or Drill
Team.
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